Imagine if we nurtured the mind of every little girl. What if we watered their spirits and imaginations with the ideals of self-empowerment, creativity, boldness, positivity, education, leadership, passion for her interests, friendship, sisterhood? What kind of global garden of female accomplishment might flourish? They could rule the world. At Girls Inc. of Lakeland, that is just what they are doing, creating the successful women of tomorrow, inspiring all girls to be “Strong, Smart, and Bold.” Leading the charge in Lakeland is President and CEO Kay Fields. Fields is girl power incarnate – a smart woman with intentions to create a reverberating impact on the world. She and a team of like-minded women help to guide the children in their charge through girlhood. Before her work with Girls Inc., Fields worked in the Agricultural and Labor Program’s early childhood development center in Winter Haven, supervising programs in Polk County, Indian River, and Fort Pierce. “I felt led to do something different,” said Fields. She heard there might be an opening for the director position for the Girls Club. She applied and was offered the job. “I think the reason I was drawn to Girls Clubs back then, now Girls Inc., is I lost my mom when I was 12 years old. I used to go home by myself because my father worked, and my older siblings were in school. It wasn’t a great experience to go home alone,” she said. “Being able to have the opportunity to come to an organization like Girls Inc., where we do so many great things, to me, was just in alignment with my life.” When she first started with the Girls Club, their facility was a few streets over from where it is now. “We were in old World War II army barracks that had been renovated too many times,” she said. In 1987, the organization launched a capital campaign to raise a million dollars to build a new facility. They moved into their new building in 1988. For 37 years, Fields has overseen Girls Inc. of Lakeland and has made it her mission to give girls the education, life skills, and opportunities to be comfortably and successfully themselves. Fields sees her role at Girls Inc. as a way to make a difference. “I want to leave the world better than I found it,” she said. STRONG. SMART. BOLD. Girls Inc. is an after-school program during the school year exclusively for girls. They offer all-day programs during spring break and summer camps. The primary focus of the organization is education and life skills. “Anything that you would want your daughter or your granddaughter or your baby sister or just a friend to experience as a girl, we do it here,” said Fields. They offer homework help and tutoring daily for girls reading below their grade level or who are functioning below level in math. The girls take classes in the culinary arts, dance, and life skill-focused courses in leadership and self-sufficiency. Girls participate in science and math activities, take field trips, and have physical fitness days. They even have a garden to teach girls the importance of nutrition. “Every day is different,” she said. “The only thing that is consistent is that we do reading every day for 15 minutes, we do homework help and tutoring every day, but everything else is different because we want the girls to be exposed to as many activities as we can.” Every summer before the pandemic, teenage Girls Inc. members would tour college campuses. “A lot of the girls who are from single-parent homes were exposed to a college through our program, and that changed their way of thinking and they were able to go to college and graduate and now they’re successful.” Fields has witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that Girls Inc. has had on those coming through the program. Fields turned to the organization for her own daughters after a divorce left her a single mother to her son and two daughters. “It was a struggle for us, and Girls Inc. was very impactful in that there was stability in my daughters’ lives. And because of that, I can see the fruits of our labor at Girls Inc. – because I don’t do this by myself – in that they are both now successful.” Both of Fields’s daughters are occupational therapists, and one has started her own business. Members who have graduated often come back to volunteer. Fields mentioned two young women who graduated high school this year and are now attending Polk State College. Each of them still comes to Girls Inc. to work with the girls, perhaps younger reflections of themselves, for a couple of hours each day. High school seniors who perform well academically and set a good example are given incentives. If they are willing to volunteer some of their time, they can become part-time employees of Girls Inc. during the school year and full-time employees during the summer. Even the daughters of former members now attend Girls Inc. “Now they’re sowing the seed back into their daughters’ lives because they really believe in what we do,” said the Girls Inc. of Lakeland president. COVID CAUSES CUTS It felt as if the world ground to a halt earlier this year. Many businesses felt the economic repercussions of the ongoing health crisis. Non-profits, like Girls Inc., were not spared the financial hardships presented by current times. “The impact was devastating,” said Fields. “One day, we were doing after school programming, and then the next day, we had to shut down because of the governor’s order. […] The girls were sent home to do e-learning, and we were trying to figure out how we could still be relevant in our work because the girls were not coming here.” Girls Inc. of Lakeland sprang into action to keep their girls engaged by hosting virtual activities. Every week, they would perform wellness checks, calling the girls to make sure they were alright. They provided all the resources they could and told them about other resources available to them. Girls Inc. of Lakeland was without their girls for about two and a half months. “We decided as an organization that we wanted to try to provide, on a smaller scale, a summer camp,” said Fields. They opened their doors in mid-June for an 8-week summer camp with a more limited number of girls than they would typically accept. COVID-19 precautions were put in place with no more than ten girls to each age group, restricted outside access to their building, including parents, temperature checks before entering, requiring girls to sanitize their hands when they arrived, and social distancing. “We try to do what the CDC recommends so that we don’t have anyone impacted by the virus, and thank God, we have been able to sustain ourselves, and nobody has gotten sick because of them coming through our doors.” Every year, Girls Inc. hosts events to raise funds and community engagement. When the pandemic hit, they were preparing for their biggest fundraising event of the year in May, the She Knows Where She’s Going Awards Luncheon. This event and others were canceled. Like the 100 Ambassadors Breakfast in which folks come in to learn more about Girls Inc. and become advocates and ambassadors for the organization, and their scheduled November Father Daughter Dance. Fields gave some insight into the organization’s financial restraints amid the pandemic. “We haven’t been able to do any of our events. We had to think outside of the box and think of some creative ways to raise funds. We didn’t have girls coming, so parents were not paying any fees. We’re very blessed to be part of the Paycheck Protection Program, so we got a loan. If we had not done that, we would have had to layoff our staff.” Girls Inc., a United Way organization, suffered another financial blow this year. “United Way was not able to complete their campaign because of the pandemic. We lost about 37% of our funding from the United Way this year,” said Fields. The cancellation of fundraising events, funding cuts, and lower attendance mean Girls Inc. needs community support now more than ever. Fields says Girls Inc. has been blessed with community support through their 25 for 25 campaign they ran following the shutdown. “That was very successful for us. We were able to raise a substantial amount of money,” she said. “Now, we’re in a place where we’ve got to replenish that and keep things going so that we can be here to provide the services that our girls so desperately need.” To uplift our future generation of girls, keep Girls Inc. in mind when making a year-end contribution to an organization. Donations can be mailed or made directly through their website. Contact Girls Inc. to arrange a donation of supplies like cleaning products, hand sanitizer, soap, and the like. Fields encourages the community to stay engaged with Girls Inc. of Lakeland for the many activities planned to celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. Plans continue for annual events in 2021, and the Girls Inc. team is looking into virtual fundraisers if physical events need to be postponed. “We’re still hoping that things will get back to a place of normalcy, but we’re coming up with other ideas in case we do have to do some virtual events to maintain the resources that we need to keep our organization going strong,” Fields said. “Our hope is that we’ll be able to gradually increase our enrollment to where it was before, and we’ll be able to garner support from the community to help us financially and that we will be able to do some things that are creative and different to attract the resources that we need to maintain our program for our girls.” DISTANCE LEARNING PRESENTS E-OPPORTUNITY Girls Inc. launched an e-learning camp this year in response to the pandemic. “We realized there was a need to do something after we finished with summer camp for the fall to meet the needs of the girls whose parents were concerned about them going back to school,” said Fields. Now girls who did not feel comfortable going back to their brick and mortar schools come to Girls Inc., starting their days at 7:30 am and finishing between 3 and 4 pm before transitioning from e-learning to the afterschool program. With many parents continuing to work from home, not in need of Girls Inc.’s services, the organization had to find a way to stay relevant in meeting their girls’ needs. They’ve discovered consistent relevancy through their e-learning program. “Being able to provide that e-learning experience for the girls has really helped us because the girls are here from the beginning of the day to the end of the day, and we’re bringing in revenues from that program along with our afterschool program and trying to add more girls.” “It ties back into our mission – we want our girls to be academically strong. Being able to help them with their online learning is a blessing.” INSPIRING GIRLS LIKE HER Through the everyday challenges of running a non-profit and the unique difficulties presented by a global health crisis, Girls Inc. of Lakeland continues to educate and support girls from kindergarten through high school – inspiring them to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls like 13-year old De’ Havilland. “I’ve been coming to Girls Inc. since my sixth-grade summer,” said the now eighth-grader. De’ Havilland enjoys reading and writing, especially book reports. Girls Inc. gives her an outlet for those interests and so much more. “I enjoy that I can make new friendships and longlasting bonds, and I get to meet different people. Every time I come here, it’s something different, and it’s a new experience,” she said. Jha’Kyra is 12 years old and in the seventh grade. She has been attending Girls Inc. since around second grade. Like De’ Havilland, Jha’Kyra too loves to write. Girls Inc. has been instrumental in her studies as well as her friendships. The e-learning program at Girls Inc. has helped Jha’Kyra, who says that she was struggling with her schoolwork during the last school year, with distanced learning and no hub at which to do it. “Now I’m getting A/B honor roll, and I’m doing a really good job here doing my work,” she said. “It’s fun coming here because I meet new people every day, and I get to have conversations that I don’t have at home because I don’t have siblings at home like I have here. Everybody here is my sister because everyone here is nice and fun to talk to.” Aubrie has been attending Girls Inc. since she was in kindergarten. The 11-year-old sixth-grader is especially interested in math and science. The staff at Girls Inc. encourage her in her academics and help her when she needs it. “I learned how to dance better and how to grow maturely. They help you with a lot of stuff – how to become a woman, how to get your education,” she said. Aubrie aspires to be either a masseuse or a dance teacher when she grows up. “We’re important to the community because these girls are our future. […] I believe that every girl deserves to have a safe and nurturing environment like Girls Inc.,” said Kay Fields. “We’re not a babysitting service – that’s not what we do. We’re developing these girls to one day rule the world. Not just in Polk County but in the United States of America, and it is our responsibility to prepare these girls for that.” Girlsinclakeland.com FB: Girls Inc. of Lakeland, FL and Bartow FL 863-682-3002 Mailing Address: PO Box 1975, Lakeland, FL 33802

For cocktails: 8 ounces apple cider 4 ounces bourbon 4 tablespoons honey-thyme simple syrup 4 teaspoons lemon juice For the simple syrup: ½ cup sugar ½ cup honey 1 cup water 10 sprigs fresh thyme In a small saucepan, combine syrup ingredients. Heat over mediumhigh heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Take off the heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve to remove any thyme leaves. Store in refrigerator until cooled. To make the cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add syrup, bourbon & apple cider to shaker and shake until well mixed. Add lemon juice and shake again. Pour over ice and garnish with thyme sprigs and apple slices. Serves 2. Please drink responsibly, 21+ only. Recipe adapted from Camillestyles.com

There is magic on the pages and in the minds of Hocus Pocus creators Dwight and Rebecca MacPherson. The Lakeland couple met and fell in love through a comic book – now they make their own. Creative Roots “I love literature; I’m a literature nerd first,” said Dwight MacPherson. “I love the way you can create a movie in a book.” Influenced by the work of Alan Moore and Chris Claremont, Dwight has been interested in comics since childhood. He remembers reading Moore’s “Swamp Thing Annual #1” and wanting to grow up to make comics. He used to draw as a child but soon turned to words. “I couldn’t draw fast enough to get what was on my mind on the paper, and it frustrated me,” he said. Dwight began writing in a stream of consciousness, growing discipline as he got older until he could plot out and complete stories. In the tenth grade, he and a group of friends created and published a comic. They Xeroxed the pages and sold it at a local comic shop called Geppi’s Comic World in Clearwater. They printed one hundred copies and sold them all. “Steve Geppi is such a nice guy – he probably bought the one hundred copies,” Dwight said, grinning. Dwight was born in Michigan and moved to Lakeland at age nine, attending Dixieland Elementary. His family moved around Florida, with Dwight leaving the state for the military. He spent 14 years in the Army before being injured during active duty. He then moved with his sons to Tennessee to be near his parents. The Army sergeant would create the story that would later catch Rebecca’s eye while stationed in South Korea. He used his time to study historical records and research pirates like Captain Kidd, Bartholomew Roberts, and Blackbeard. “I wanted to create a timeline where I could put all three of these pirates together,” he said. Dwight wrote the comic book “Dead Men Tell No Tales” about the three pirates searching for the lost relics of Christ. Rebecca MacPherson, originally from New York, was raised in Los Angeles. She has always had a deep appreciation for music, literature, film, and plays. “My earliest memories have always been of family and music playing in the background. My mom always had the radio on,” she said. Rebecca heard everything from The Beatles and Broadway tunes, to instrumentals and Led Zeppelin. “I had a really eclectic upbringing, and I knew I wanted to do either music, or I wanted to be on stage.” Her mom used to tell her that she would run around the house, acting things out, and writing plays. It wasn’t only the Top Ten radio tunes that influenced Rebecca. Her grandmother had all the classics in her library – Rebecca read them all. “The Wind in the Willows” and other classic literature were influential to her and continue to be. Clive Barker’s “Weaveworld” stoked her imagination to write, she said. With a background as an independent producer of TV, film, and theatre production for 20th Century Fox Studios and Tribune Studios, Rebecca has done everything from work in wardrobe at the Apollo Theatre and many impressive gigs during her seven years as a freelancer in LA. She worked on theatre productions, in PR, and as a personal assistant for Overbrook Entertainment to A-list actors, as well as an Assistant Director. “That was an amazing creative time for me,” she said. “That’s what I always wanted to do from a child, I wanted to be in the entertainment business, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that world that created the magic that I grew up seeing. […] I loved it; it just fed my imagination so much.” Love at First Comic While working at Meltdown Comics on Sunset Boulevard, Rebecca noticed a striking pirate display, with one eyecatching book entitled “Dead Men Tell No Tales.” She bought the book and enjoyed it so much she reached out to its publisher to try and get in touch with the author, Dwight L. MacPherson. The two began corresponding online and over the phone, as Rebecca wished to option the rights to the comic. Bonding over shared interests, the two discussed “The Twilight Zone,” “Star Trek,” literature, poetry, writing, and art. “I had to keep pinching myself,” Dwight said. “Over the course of a year, we knew we were meant for each other,” said Rebecca. They decided to meet at a comic book convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, called HeroesCon. They eventually got married, and Rebecca moved from LA to Tennessee with Dwight and his sons. After a few years, the family decided to move back to Lakeland. “That’s how we met – through a book,” said Rebecca with a smile. Fueled by Imagination In January of 2017, the MacPhersons launched a new venture – Hocus Pocus Comics. “We decided to do our own thing and tell our stories that we wanted to tell,” said Rebecca. When deciding on a moniker to be the essence of their creative brand, Dwight thought back to J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings,” specifically, how Tolkien imagined the character Gandalf. “Gandalf doesn’t do magic – magic is part of his nature,” he said. “I’ve always been fascinated with magic in fantasy. Where does it come from? Where does the power come from? To me, imagination is powerful – that’s the source of magic, and so that is the way that I approach magic in my books. Imagination is what creates the magic.” After trying on a few names like Alakazam and Open Sesame, they landed on Hocus Pocus Comics. Their eclectic catalog of books includes “The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe,” “Elevator,” “Houdini’s Silver Dollar Misfits,” “Terra Somnium,” “Vampire Squid Boy,” and an upcoming graphic novel, “The Key.” From the minds of the MacPhersons, you’ll find stories both timely and timeless. Dwight described them as “an amalgamation,” and indeed, they are. Many reference historical characters or take a page from a literary classic. In their debut comic, “The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe,” the MacPhersons explore the celebrated storyteller through a tale set in a fictionalized dream world complete with mythological gods and monsters, “created by his genius… and his madness!” “What’s really cool about ‘The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe’ is I can also incorporate my love of mythology and epic stories,” said Dwight. For his part, Dwight is the President, Publisher, and Creator of Hocus Pocus Comics with Rebecca working as Vice President, Administration, and Managing Editor. The pair work together, joining their genius to create lively stories that anyone can enjoy – whether a comic book fan or not. “This is a marriage of art and literature. It’s a comic book, but it has themes that you can relate to as well,” said Rebecca. From Mind to Page “We do it the way we want to do it,” said Dwight. “We’re involved in the whole process from character sketches to penciled pages, to colors, lettering, production, and design of the book itself.” Rebecca added, “We get to take our time with it. […] We’re willing to do one book a year, maybe two, to really tell the story like we want to tell it, and have it look beautiful.” When Dwight tells her an idea, Rebecca imagines it as a movie, “That’s how I see things, cinematically,” she said. Dwight and Rebecca use the magic that is their imaginations to develop the skeleton for a compelling story. The comic book creators say the storytelling sweet spot lies between not assuming your reader knows your ideas while also not spoon-feeding them information. The next step is to write it out as a screenplay with detailed direction, which isn’t too tough for the cinematically-minded Rebecca. “Writers are always looking, and we’re always thinking about people’s quirks,” she said. She noted a writer must convey the smallest details and mannerisms of a character, so the reader can imagine just how they might move their hair from their face or scratch their head. With a graphic novel, these details and directions are equally crucial for the artist. “The artist does not share your imagination,” Dwight said. “He can’t see the screens inside my head, so the more description I can give, the better.” The MacPhersons work with the artist, approving character sketches and panels of sequential art, then have it inked and colored before working with their production manager to send files to the printer. They publish Hocus Pocus Comics through Amazon. Inspiration Through Education Education has been a big piece of the MacPhersons’ focus. “I learned that reluctant readers are far more likely to read comics,” said Dwight. The MacPhersons have a son with autism who was reluctant to read. So, they gave him comic books. “He devoured them and went on to read the classics,” he said. Dwight admits he didn’t think about the union of comics and education until a book signing at Barnes and Noble. About 25 teachers came to have him sign their books – books they had been using in their classrooms. Feedback from the teachers lit a fire within the comic book writer. “I want to inspire the next generation,” he said. MacPherson had the opportunity to speak with Special Education majors at Texas Tech University, who were enchanted with his book, “Houdini and the Silver Dollar Misfits.” “All the stars have disabilities, which you would think would be a disability but ends up being a strength,” he said of the book. “I’ve heard it called ‘Scooby-Doo meets the X-Men.’” They now use the graphic novel in their curriculum. “Comics are being used on the collegiate level so much now and in classrooms as well. That’s where I wanted to infiltrate because the mainstream comic industry wants to make movies and TV shows – that’s their focus. My focus is on education. I want to get my books into classrooms so that they can inspire young readers,” Dwight said. Many Hocus Pocus Comics are based on historical fiction or literature. “Elevator,” for example, incorporates a modernized reimagining of Dante’s “Inferno.” The MacPhersons hope these books inspire children to become more involved in the subject. Dwight added, “Hopefully, it will inspire them to create on their own.” To aid in their educational efforts, Hocus Pocus Comics Education Coordinator, Tim Smyth, a former teacher and current college professor, set them up with the United States Department of English and Language’s Virtual Exchange Program. The MacPhersons do Flipgrid presentations and workshops on their books, which the department then sends to schools worldwide. “This is our legacy; this is what I’m leaving behind. When I’m long gone, you’ll see my videos, you’ll hear my voice – but you’ll see our words, which is more important to me,” said Rebecca. Before the current health crisis, the MacPhersons were preparing to offer in-person classes. On the advisory board for George Jenkins High School, Dwight will mentor students in English and Rebecca in TV and Film Production when safely able to do so. Rebecca put it succinctly during a Department of Education Flipgrid presentation arranged by Smyth. “The future of education is through informative content combining pictures and art. Graphic novels are the embodiment of this concept, and we are excited to be on the forefront of this new wave of education!” Coming up... Currently, Volume 1 of “The Imaginary Voyages of Edgar Allan Poe” is on sale, with Volume 2 set to be released in December. In the Spring, HP Comics will release Volume 3 and put them together as an Educators Package complete with study guides. These will be available either as physical copies or printable PDFs. Their newest project, currently being written, a graphic novel called “The Key,” will be released in the Fall of 2021. Rebecca described the book, whose main characters will be Lucas Hart and Lena Johnson, as “a mystery which touches on interracial issues so prevalent in today’s climate.” Hpcomics.net info.hpcomics@gmail.com FB @hocuspocuscomics IG @hp.comics TW @hpcomics_ Photos by Tyler Williams Photography

What is it that draws us to the macabre? What makes us peer in from the outside, at a distance, safely removed from events so terrible and tragic, bloody and grim? For the creator, producer, and co-host of the Scarlet True Crime Podcast Sonia Sutton Meza-Leon, it’s all about curiosity, with one question at the forefront – ‘Why?’ Born and raised in Lake Alfred, Sonia went to Auburndale High School, attended Polk Community College to spend time with their theatrical team, and began her career in the entertainment industry around age 18. She moved to Orlando to obtain a communications degree from UCF. Though she has since moved to the Golden State, Sutton Meza-Leon is fond of her hometown, saying, “The people there are lovely. There’s a downhome feel that I really miss, especially being in L.A., it’s a little more fast-paced.” Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1999, she worked in live-action television and film before moving into C.G. animation in 2003. Sutton Meza-Leon is now the Head of Post-Production in the entertainment division for one of the top five toy companies globally, producing popular brands including Barbie and Hot Wheels. TRUE CRIME CURIOSITY An event in her childhood significantly impacted her intrigue with the true crime genre. Around 7 or 8 years old, a friend and classmate at Lake Alfred Elementary School was shot and killed by his father over Super Bowl weekend. “When you’re little, and it’s one of your friends… it’s really impactful,” said Sonia. “It was strange, and I didn’t understand it. I couldn’t understand how a father could do that, how anyone could do that, he was a little boy,” she said. “It was one of those things that stayed with me through my life, and I kept getting more and more interested in ‘Why?’” As her fascination progressed, she began to watch shows like “Unsolved Mysteries,” “Forensic Files,” and the like. She watched films centered around true crime like “In Cold Blood” based on Truman Capote’s novel of the same name. She watched Truman Capote’s one-man stage play “Tru” when it aired on “American Playhouse” on PBS in 1992, in which he talked about his writings, research, and first-hand experience with the perpetrators. “It was interesting to hear him talk about how close he came to them, how he started feeling empathy for them in ways he didn’t understand.” “Unfortunately, there’s just so much of it to talk about,” she said of the genre. Though crime is much more widely publicized now, there was a time when criminals – serial killers specifically – ran rampant. “There was a time from the early 1900’s all the way into the ’70s where serial killers were… it was unbelievable how many of them there were and how they were undetected.” SCARLET ON THE CASE Quite a juxtaposition from her day job’s kid-friendly content, Sonia started a true-crime podcast early this year with co-host Brittney Sherman. The podcast aims to examine crimes, their perpetrators, and the aftermath with opinions from the cohosts. The ‘Why’ is especially important to Sutton Meza-Leon, a psychology major. “What drives people [to commit crimes] and what motivates them is really interesting to me.” For their namesake and mascot, Scarlet, Sutton Meza-Leon said, “We mythicized a character that would be named Scarlet, and it was the embodiment of a strong woman, an investigative woman who could – no matter what period of time – live in a man’s world and be successful and carve that area out for her.” Like the fictional Scarlet, Sutton Meza-Leon and Sherman are strong, investigative women in their own right. Their perspectives and experiences as women in the entertainment industry add a unique element to their podcast style. The co-hosts have several show formats, including deep-dives into the crimes and cases of serial killers from Charles Manson and The Family and the BTK Killer to Ed Kemper and H.H. Holmes. The ladies break from the in-depth morbidity of those episodes with their Top 3s format, which includes shows like “Top 3s: Unsolved Mysteries” and “Top 3s: Movies Adapted from True Crime Novels.” Their distinct perspectives as women in entertainment shine through in the Scarlet TCP Companion Episodes. They watch and discuss episodes, series, or films about a crime and examine the content itself, including the offense, perpetrator, and victims’ portrayal. “It’s an interesting look that I don’t see others doing. We really enjoy content; that’s our business. [...] We break it down like we are working on it. It’s an interesting take that you probably won’t find in other places,” she said. STICKING TO THE FACTS Though the podcast style is conversational, the co-hosts do in-depth research to prepare for each episode, producing fact-based content with their thoughts and opinions sprinkled throughout. “We try to absorb every bit of content out there about the subject matter, including books, documentaries, current series, whether they’re narrative or not. We also talk to individuals who either have been in a similar situation and have had that kind of crime affect them or to the individuals involved,” Sonia said. They spend at least two weeks assessing the events of a case discussing its timeline, evidence, parties involved, proceedings, and early-life factors that could have contributed to what made the perpetrator commit their crimes. Sonia noted the importance of sticking to the facts when talking about true crime out of respect for the crime and victims impacted, making clear that they do not glamourize it in any way. “We’re trying to understand and help others understand why this happens, how it happens, and how someone could do something like this and maybe actually get ahead of it. […] At the end of the day, we all realize that it is a combination of nature and nurture that starts these individuals down the road where they apparently can’t come back from. They become reliant on their addictions, which ultimately are committing crimes, hurting people.” Sutton Meza-Leon will be coming to Winter Haven in the Spring to continue her research for upcoming episodes of the podcast’s “Florida Crimes” series. With one “Florida Man” or another in the headlines almost daily, the Scarlet co-hosts have plenty of madness and mayhem to cover in the Sunshine State. One upcoming episode will cover the Oba Chandler murders, according to Sonia. “I find the Florida crime interesting for a variety of reasons. I feel like there’s a little bit of home there when people talk about locations that I’m familiar with.” The first and second episodes of Scarlet explored the Caylee Anthony case. “It was interesting for me to talk about it. Because if you’re not familiar with the surroundings and how things work there and the environment, it changes the way you look at a crime. That crime still perplexes me on so many levels.” VAMPIRES, AX MURDERS, AND DARK TOURISM Lock your doors, grab some Halloween candy, and settle in for your true-crime fix with the ladies of Scarlet TCP. ‘Tis the season for frights, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than with Scarlet? Sonia Sutton Meza-Leon even has a few episode suggestions for your Halloween podcast playlist. One such ghoulish romp is titled “Elizabeth (Blood) Bathory.” According to Sutton Meza-Leon, Bathory was a prolific female serial killer whose proclivities to bathe in her victims’ blood fueled rumors of vampirism. Another October must-listen is the two-part episode “Lizzie Borden’s 40 Whacks” about the ax murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in their home. Andrew’s daughter Lizzie was tried and later acquitted of the brutal slayings leaving the case unsolved. “The other episode that I love for Halloween is Dark Tourism,” said Sonia. “That’s where we talk about the nature of dark tourism and people who pay to go on vacations to visit these macabre locations – which we are of course obsessed with as well. The whole idea of dark tourism for us is fascinating.” Scarlet True Crime Podcast www.scarlet.captivate.fm Email: scarletmurderpodcast@gmail.com IG @scarlet.tcp FB @scarlettcp Twitter @scarletpodcast Available on all podcast platforms, including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, and more.

It’s been just over a year since Chef Chadi Mokbel and his wife Cindy opened their quaint Lebanese restaurant in Winter Haven. Over that year, despite the obstacles facing many businesses in the wake of the coronavirus, the Mediterranean Fresh Grill has amassed a loyal foodie following. Polk County native, Cindy, met Lebanon born Chadi while working at the Hilton on Marco Island. It was her first day and his last. The two hit it off and got married in 2008. Chef Chadi came from working at the InterContinental Phoenicia in Beirut to the United States on an American Hospitality visa, bringing with him a passion for the culinary arts. After they got married, the pair owned a Pennsylvania business for a few years before selling it and moving to Anna Maria Island. There, they started and sold several companies and had six years of jobs between opening their restaurant. Chef Chadi was refining his culinary skills at a Mediterranean restaurant in Cocoa Beach, driving 98 miles each way from work. Meanwhile, Cindy worked for State Farm. “They had me in a cube – I’m not a cube person,” she said. The two began discussing a venture of their own and set a plan into motion. Mediterranean Fresh Grill opened its doors on September 12, 2019. Here, patrons can enjoy the fresh, authentic flavors of Lebanon. The country, which hugs the Mediterranean Sea is relatively small, at just over 4,000 square miles – no larger than the state of Connecticut. Its size is no measure of the huge flavors that come out of this compact country. CULTURE AND SPICES The fifth and youngest of his siblings, Chef Chadi spent much of his time at home helping his mother in the kitchen. “In my country, we buy fresh meat from the butcher and then fresh vegetables, and we create something from scratch,” he said. “This is the kind of food I grew up on.” “He cooks it from memory – there’s nothing written, nothing measured. It’s just what he learned,” said Cindy. In Lebanon, he said, “Every table usually has black olives and fresh tomato on the table no matter what. Any house you go to – tabbouleh – this is the main stuff on Sunday before they start grilling,” he said. His family would have fresh bread every day that they would either make at home or pick up from the local bakery. These Mediterranean staples of fresh vegetables, meat, bread, and seafood were what the chef grew to love and learn to make. These traditions endure in his Winter Haven eatery. “Everything is made fresh,” Cindy said. “That’s something I think our American culture has lost. We’re in this hurry-up fast-food world.” To keep up with this level of quality, the chef regularly pulls 15-hour workdays. “My Momma is a blessing for me. She comes to help me every day,” he said of his mother-inlaw, Evalene, who comes each morning to help with food prep. The draw of made-to-order, fresh cuisine isn’t the only reason to support this one-of-kind restaurant. The Mediterranean Fresh Grill chef prioritizes using ingredients from local small businesses, including meat and vegetables. He never freezes the meat and carves it all himself. Even the creamy hummus made with chickpeas, tahini, lemon, olive oil, and garlic, served with pita bread is made in-house. “He makes [the hummus] fresh every day. He soaks the chickpeas overnight, boils them in the morning, grinds them up, and seasons them,” said Cindy. “Seasoning is really important,” said the chef. He showed off kitchen shelves brimming with a rainbow of herbs and spices. Underscoring the authenticity of his fare, the chef and his wife took a trip to Lebanon, where they went to a place that ground fresh seasonings. They brought these spices back with them to use in their restaurant. “This is, I think, the key to our success – that flavor that nobody could match because they couldn’t find the ingredients to get it done,” he said. The menu offers lunch and dinner, including shawarma, gyros, beef kafta, soups, kabobs, and more, including a selection of Lebanese, California, and French wine. Guests can find dishes to accommodate most diets, including vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, keto, and gluten-free. LOYAL CUSTOMERS “When we first opened, I wanted this place to be relaxing and calm and a place that people want to sit and feel like you had a Lebanese dining experience without flying out of the country,” said Cindy. The first two months were a bit chaotic. Many nights saw every seat filled with people waiting outside the door, turning the house three or four times a night. “His food is so amazing … it grounded a local repeat customer base.” They were open six months to the day when they had to close their dining room due to the pandemic. Like many small businesses, the Mokbels worried about how they would sustain with no one able to dine-in. “Through it all – all of those local customers kept coming. […] There were people who would come in and buy a whole week’s worth of food,” said Cindy. “We’re so blessed to have this many customers,” added Chef Chadi. Perhaps it is the unparalleled experience they extend to diners that have solidified such a customer base. Cindy trains staff to make the dining experience personal for guests and treat them like family or friends who have come to see them for dinner. “Because we are family,” she said. “We want them to feel like family when they come.” Because of their popularity, Mediterranean Fresh Grill tends to fill up quickly for dinner. Cindy recommends making reservations two to three days in advance. THE EXPERIENCE The establishment boasts a casual motif with personal photos lining the walls from the couple’s trips to Lebanon. Pictures of the Cedars of Lebanon, downtown Beirut, and a fishing village lend to the transportive feeling Cindy envisioned for the restaurant. The real magic, however, is thoughtfully curated on each plate coming out of the kitchen. As is essential for a proper Mediterranean Fresh Grill experience, I tried the Tabbouleh. The dish was a refreshing and aromatic mix of parsley, tomato, onion, bulgur, and lemon juice. Next was the Garlic Whip. It’s hard to believe such bold flavors come from so few ingredients – simply garlic cloves, oil, and lemon juice. The sauce is light and decadent, delicious when paired with pita or, according to the chef, with any grilled white meat like chicken, shrimp or fish. The stuffed baby eggplant had a briny flavor married with the earthiness of chopped walnut and olive oil, which contrasted beautifully with fragrant diced garlic and chili. The spicy feta dip had a pleasant heat accompanied by the tang of feta, and the lamb chops cooked masterfully to succulent perfection were a crescendo to the meal. The meal left me feeling satiated but not stuffed. Nothing was lacking or in excess. The spread was a bounty of bright and bold flavors. The chef humbly prefers his place in the kitchen, describing himself as a silent creative. An eyeful and a bellyful of his food is a full introduction to Lebanese cuisine and the silent creative behind it. “He’s the heart of it back there,” said Cindy. “He does everything he does with love.” Mediterranean Fresh Grill 6035 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven (833) 633-4745 Mediterraneanfreshgrill.com FB @MediterraneanFreshGrillWinterHaven IG @mediterraneanfresh Photos by Amy Sexson

4 ounces vodka 4 ounces green juice* 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Crushed ice In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, green juice, lime juice, and crushed ice. Shake to combine. Pour into glasses, dividing evenly. Serves 2, please drink responsibly. If you have too many of these, you might start seeing things that aren’t really there... 2I+ *We used Naked Juice Green Machine

Have you eaten at Lakeland’s favorite new restaurant, Curry Mango? This South Lakeland spot offers traditional Indian fare alongside unique American and Indian fusions. You might say their food is like naan other in Polk County. Curry Mango owner, Anthony Mankidiyan, started working towards a degree in Restaurant Management at the age of 17. Three years later, he moved from India to the United States to work in the restaurant industry. He opened small stores and offered catering, but always looked to start something more significant. He worked with California-based partner Salim Mathew to get the Curry Mango concept off the ground with doors opening on December 21, 2019. His passion for food came much earlier in life. Mankidiyan was influenced by his father, a former cook, catering for large events. He can remember being 12 years old, helping his father peel vegetables for large parties, and knew he wanted to be in the industry when he grew up. One thing he remembers making with his father is a traditional Indian dish called Dosa. The rice and lentil crepe is made with mashed potatoes inside along with lentil soup and coconut chutney. “You need to be very skilled to make that,” he said. His father, now 83, lives with Mankidiyan, who is married with three children of his own. Asked how his dad felt about his son following in his culinary footsteps, Mankidiyan said, “He’s proud of me, he’s very proud.” A DIFFERENT CONCEPT “I wanted to introduce Indian food to everyone in Lakeland,” said Mankidiyan. He also sought to brighten up the bore and gloom of many fine-dining establishments with more of an upscale, casual semi-sports bar feel. “I want to do something different – I don’t want to do the same things everybody does,” he said. A unique way in which Mankidiyan is carving a restaurateur path in Lakeland is with his outstanding food. Merging American and Indian flavors, Curry Mango has offerings you can’t get anywhere else. Wing flavors, including tandoori, mango chutney, hot garlic, and tamarind, speak to Mankidiyan’s different ways of approaching cuisine. Do yourself a favor and try the tandoori wings. These generously sized wings are a bright orange, red – a visual hint to the excitement awaiting you. Guests who aren’t quite as spice tolerant can choose milder flavors. “We customize mild food without losing any flavors. We don’t compromise on the authenticity of the flavor, but people can enjoy it,” he said. Mankidiyan said Curry Mango has customers who have worked their way up from mild food to indulging in dishes with more heat. Just as it takes a while to form a habit, he said, your taste buds also have to adjust to a different spice level. The restaurant’s signature dish and namesake, Curry Mango Chicken Curry (which can also be prepared with lamb curry), is the perfect beginner dish for those who aren’t familiar with Indian cuisine. Describing it as light and sweet, Mankidiyan said, “It’s very flavorful. We make it out of fresh mango.” And flavorful it is. There is comforting warmth to the dish, brightened up by the sweetness of mango. Try it with their piping hot buttery garlic naan – it’ll be the best decision you’ll make all day. Many of their dishes, including their naan bread and lamb chops, are cooked in a traditional clay oven. Fried versions of their Americanized Indian flavors are also available. The owner describes the Curry Mango Chicken Tenders as similar to KFC but with Indian spices. Mankidiyan knows his way around a tasty piece of fried chicken. He has two gas stations, out of which he serves fried chicken. Truck drivers who have eaten around the country would tell Mankidiyan that his chicken was the best they’d ever eaten, and some people even asked him to open it as a fried chicken franchise. Now Lakelanders can get those same inspired flavors and then some at Curry Mango. A version of this cultural cuisine blend is the Curry Mango Fried Shrimp. They have the distinctive crunch of American fried shrimp married to the toothsome flavors of India. Wash down your butter chicken, vindaloo, or chicken tikka masala with a special drink or cocktail from the bar. They offer traditional Indian drinks like the nonalcoholic Indian Iced Tea or Mango Lassi made from fresh mango pulp, yogurt, and sugar. Curry Mango’s signature cocktail is an ode to the dreamy skies of the Swan City. Called the Lakeland Sunset, the cocktail is a delicious mix of vodka, triple sec, grenadine, and sour mix. THANKING THE COMMUNITY The quarantine was a challenge for Curry Mango only a few months into business. Lakeland so loved their food that they continued to show up and support the new restaurant. “I have to thank the community,” he said. “They have helped us with this pandemic.” In all that time, he didn’t have to close the restaurant or lay off a single employee. “I was paying them, all four months,” he said. “I let nobody go.” “I appreciate that the community here, the Lakeland community, has helped us,” said Mankidiyan. Curry Mango 6625 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland (863) 940-2275 or (863) 940-2514 mycurrymango.com FB @mycurrymango IG @mycurrymango *Curry Mango was voted the BestOf LKLD 2020 Winner for Best New Restaurant by our readers. Congratulations to them! Photos by Amy Sexson

When you think about your own mental health, self-care may not be the first thing that pops to mind – but it is definitely a major player in how you feel. The term “selfcare” might call to mind manicures, facials, massages, bubble baths, or a blowout. But, I’m here to talk about taking things a step farther. Let’s talk about a little cosmetic self-care. It’s no secret that when you feel good about yourself it instantly boosts your mood. Luckily for us, Jodi DeVries will help us do just that. Jodi is like your gorgeous girlfriend who just happens to have her Master’s of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and is an APRN, CRNA. Basically, she knows what she’s doing. And she can help you feel just as gorgeous, because Jodi is the owner-operator of Eternal Youth Aesthetics, LLC. She has been practicing in a clinical setting for many years and continues to do so – when she is not busy bringing her aesthetic skills directly to her clients. That’s right. Jodi can come to you. She has all the knowledge and skills and none of the intimidation of a formal clinical setting. By offering mobile services, she is able to consult and treat you from the comfort of your own home, or from your salon or office. It allows her to offer services to those who may not have the chance to experience them otherwise. Her philosophy is a minimalistic approach. She says you can always add more if you like, but she feels it’s best to create a natural look to feel younger, more refreshed, more confident, and the best version of you. With a mobile service, Jodi has more flexibility. It can be just the two of you for an appointment – Jodi and you as the client, or she offers an option for you to host an event with friends. After practicing nursing for eight years and then nurse anesthesia for a few years, Jodi attended cosmetic injectables training courses and fell in love with the art of facial aesthetics. She worked tenaciously to make cosmetic injectables more readily available to a wider audience. And thus her business was born. Eternal Youth offers a variety of treatments. Botox is a given. It is by far the most recognizably named treatment available these days. Botox is an anti-wrinkle injection that Jodi says is her most popular treatment for clients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. And it’s not just women seeking these treatments, by the way, about 30% of her clients are men! Good for you guys– self-care is for everyone. Botox lasts 3-4 months and benefits a wide range of clients. Results can take a few days to show up, so Jodi likes to check in to make sure you are loving your results. Beyond Botox, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are another popular choice. Jodi offers several options like Revanesse, Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero fillers. They are popular among her clients, especially lip fillers like Restylane Kysse and Revanesse Versa among the younger 20 something clients. Fillers can make the most immediate difference for someone looking for an instant result. Another area that fillers make a noticeable difference is in the cheeks. She says we lose volume as we age, so by replacing that volume, our faces look 10 to 20 years younger. Other areas that are great for fillers include tear troughs (under the eyes), temples, nasolabial folds (smile lines), and marionette lines around the mouth, jawline, and even the hands. Other treatments Jodi offers include: Sculptra (a collagen stimulator) to help reverse the signs of aging by rebuilding lost collagen. Kybella (fat lipolysis) is FDA approved to decrease submental fullness. You know, like the double chin area or that stubborn bra bulge. AQUAGOLD Fine Touch Microchanneling treatments that include MicroBotox, hyaluronic acid, and a multivitamin complex to brighten, tighten, and increase luminosity to the face, neck, décolletage (chest), and backs of the hands. And PRP (which stands for platelet-rich plasma) injection facial treatments, also known as the “Vampire Facial.” The Vampire Facial uses your own blood spun down to separate the red and white blood cells from the plasma. The plasma, which is full of growth factors and peptides that stimulate collagen growth, is injected into the dermal layer of your skin. This process happens much deeper than a standard facial so the results take a week or two to show up, but last months to years. It is a natural alternative to injecting synthetics. You can think of it as your own personal “Fountain of Youth.” The goal of using cosmetic injectables is to age gracefully. It feels like the next step in your daily skincare routine. Honestly, it feels great to take care of yourself– and your skin is for life. Jodi truly practices what she preaches, she has experienced most of her procedures! She says the best compliment is when someone tells her patients that they look great, but they can’t put their finger on what is different. Subtle improvements. She also offers, and uses herself, iS Clinical cosmeceuticals. They are a botanical-based, anti-aging, anti-acne, skin-brightening pharmaceutical-grade line that Jodi can help her clients put together for a complete custom skincare routine. Do something for your current and future self. Jodi can be reached at (863) 412-2057 Email: FindYourEternalYouth@gmail.com FB & IG @eternalyouthaestheticsllc. Hours are by appointment only and flexible. Photo by Amy Sexson

In this first Summer Series, we’d like to demystify some of the latest, scientific findings on coffee! And hopefully, do our part to clarify and counteract all the misinformation that’s so easily found in our online feeds these days! Below, an amazing scientific review by our own medical expert – Jolian Rios, MD, ABIM Board Certified. MYTH #1: ALL STUDIES ARE SCIENTIFICALLY VALID Coffee has been widely studied – there have been hundreds of studies published about it over the years. Yet, the first thing to keep in mind is that not all studies are created equal - as they can go from very strict, scientifically valid Cohort, Case-Control, and Randomized Controlled Trials where data drives the findings, to an Opinion Paper, which is simply someone sharing their thoughts – of course, their findings do not carry the same weight! To make matters worse, these Opinion Papers are many times “interpreted” and reported by the media in ways that favor their ratings. So every time you read something, go to the source, and please don’t share it if it is not a scientific source! – advice that seems especially relevant right now! MYTH #2: COFFEE = CAFFEINE When we think of coffee, we immediately think about caffeine; yet we should keep in mind coffee contains many other compounds with potential health benefits. These include polyphenols such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, diterpenoids, and other antioxidants, as well as potassium, magnesium, niacin, and lignans. In fact, concentrations of these phenolic antioxidants are much higher in brewed coffee than in brewed tea – which is often touted as an antioxidant powerhouse! MYTH #3: CAFFEINE IS UNHEALTHY Caffeine is quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and it gets metabolized by the liver. It antagonizes adenosine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems – and in this way, it can have a variety of effects. Some of the main effects found so far: Caffeine is a proven analgesic, property that has been used for the treatment of headaches, specifically tension and migraine headaches. Multiple cohort studies with over 600,000 individuals found it may reduce stroke risk. Two case-controlled studies and two cohort studies have shown a small protective effect of coffee consumption advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, animal models have shown long-term caffeine consumption may delay or reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Randomized Controlled Trials of healthy individuals have found caffeine improves cognition, mood, vigilance, and reaction time – regardless of age and gender. A study with sleep-deprived Navy SEAL trainees showed improvement of cognitive function, learning, memory, and mood despite continuous exposure to stressors with an optimal dose of 200 mg of caffeine (about two cups of coffee!). MYTH #4: COFFEE IS UNHEALTHY Numerous studies on coffee have actually shown the opposite – there are several health benefits from long-term coffee consumption. Some examples: A matched case-control of almost 1700 women with BRCA gene mutation found that coffee intake was associated with 10% - 69% lower risk of breast cancer, this was a dose-dependent effect, with the lowest effect being seen on women who drank 1-3 cups of coffee and the largest effect seen on those who drank more than 6 cups of coffee per day. A case-control study of 1900 women found that coffee intake was associated with a 40% lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day. A meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies showed a decreased risk of endometrial cancer in coffee drinkers. A large prospective analysis of over 47,000 men found a strong dose-dependent reduction in the risk of prostate cancer. Several studies, including randomized trials, and cohort studies, have shown that coffee consumption, including decaf, decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes, by improving insulin sensitivity as well as insulin secretion. Another study showed caffeine in coffee to be a potent stimulator of smooth muscles that prevent constipation. A meta-analysis of 14 different studies shows that coffee drinkers had 39% less probability of developing cirrhosis. Thus, coffee has been shown to have positive effects on multiple systems and may even lower the risk of multiple chronic diseases in the long term. I’ve listed the studies used for reference, in case you’d like to read in a lot more detail on your own (it pairs perfectly with a great cup of Ethos to keep you awake!). So, let’s keep enjoying coffee, and let’s continue to make a difference, to Brew Greatness in the world! References available online at havenmagazines.com Ethos Coffee Roasters Ethosroasters.com (863) 940-0060 FB & IG @ethosroasters

We have been isolated from one another for months now. Every routine has been interrupted and all of our usual social gatherings have either been canceled or extremely limited. The challenge with this is that we are social beings. We are created for community. Even the most introverted person cannot thrive in complete isolation. I have been a full-time professor of Psychology and Human Services for more than a decade and one of my favorite lectures deals with the psychology of personality. Every person responds differently to various situations based upon their personality type. Whether it is the Enneagram, DISC, Myers Briggs, or another personality assessment, it is evident we all view the world through the lens of our own personality. Each one of us is born with inherent personality traits and throughout our lifetime certain aspects of this are nurtured and impacted by our environment. However, regardless of your personality type, we all need people. From the time we are born, we desperately require human connection. It isn’t enough to simply be around people, we need to feel connected to those people. If we do not possess these connections, the result is loneliness. Loneliness is the feeling of distress or discomfort when there is a gap between one’s desires for social connection and the actual experience of that connection. This can be real or perceived. If we perceive a lack of connection, then the result is the feeling of loneliness. Loneliness not only impacts our mental health, but has also been proven to impact our physical health. We all need people and people need us. In this season of social distancing, we have had to forfeit many of our usual means of social connection. While this benefits our physical health in reducing the likelihood of getting COVID-19, our mental health can suffer in the process. This means we have to get creative in continuing to forge human connections when physical proximity is not permitted. I have been a Pastor for the past 15 years. My husband and I Pastor Grace City Church and prior to Pastoring, I was a therapist. Throughout my years of helping people, the main thing I have observed is the need for real human connection. Not perceived connection, but actual connection. I am an introvert and I enjoy time alone. I find time alone actually refuels me to go back out and have to exert the energy of engaging with people. As a Pastor, Professor, and Speaker, everything I do involves people. It can be exhausting, but I have learned the art of how to refuel. The first couple of weeks of quarantine I found myself thrilled to be catching up on so many things that I had neglected and I was enjoying the time to myself. However, shortly thereafter, I found myself feeling distant from people I had always felt close to. I found myself craving community. I was beginning to get lonely. Keep in mind, I have an amazing husband, delightful kids, and incredible family and friends, but I was still getting lonely. I was not engaging with my community. I was neglecting it. How do we reap the benefits of community when we are not allowed to be around it? Here are 5 practical encouragements for navigating this season in no particular order: 1. FACETIME OR ZOOM: FaceTime and Zoom allows for us to view each other’s facial expressions, see into one another’s eyes, and engage with each other more than just hearing one another’s words when speaking by phone. After a couple of weeks of loneliness, I began meeting in a Zoom group weekly. Our church has been hosting weekly Zoom groups and I have gathered with a group of ladies each week for the past few months. This has been a highlight of my week! I get to see their faces, learn how they are doing, share how I am doing, and engage in community. We aren’t physically present with one another, but we can still support each other. Make this time a priority and schedule it, just like you would a coffee date with a friend. 2. TALK ON THE PHONE: While seeing others faces is ideal, speaking on the phone is the next best thing. I have been having phone dates with family and friends. This has been critical to remaining in touch and staying connected. Give yourself a goal of a phone call a day or a few calls a week. 3. EXERCISE: Go for a lengthy walk outside. We need Vitamin D and we need the exercise. Even if you only get your heart rate up a few times a week, this is critical to your mental and physical health. 4. ATTEND A CHURCH SERVICE: Engaging in this kind of community will lift your spirit and remind you that you are not alone. If you’re medically and physically able to attend safely in person, then this is wonderful, but online still fosters an environment for you to engage with others. 5. FEED YOUR THOUGHTS: I really believe in the value of talking to myself. I spend more time talking to myself than listening to myself. Attending church services, reading my bible, and sharing my thoughts with my friends and family challenges my incorrect ways of thinking. Every thought we feed grows. Am I feeding thoughts that build me up or tear me down? Encourage yourself. You should be your best friend and you need to be kind to you. Take time to affirm yourself on a daily basis. You should be able to quickly list at least 10 things you appreciate about yourself and if you can’t, take advantage of this season to get to know yourself better. I make it a goal to encourage myself daily and to encourage others daily. Take the time to text 2-3 people every day to let them know what you appreciate about them. Encouraging others, encourages you. In this season, we have to fight for hope. Hope for health, hope for safety, hope for whatever you are hoping for. It is important to know that hope doesn’t just happen. Hope is grown. I was born and raised in Alaska and I grew up with a huge garden. Each year we planted, tended to the plants, and then harvested them. Planting the seeds was just the beginning of the process. We had to water them and protect them from weeds, the birds, and especially the moose! You don’t plant, walk away, and then never again visit the plant and expect it to be fully grown and healthy. You encourage its growth. The same is true with hope. I have to think hope-filled thoughts on a daily basis. I choose to see the positive in the world around me and I choose to see the good in each person. I plant hope, I water hope, and I protect hope. There are those who will serve as weeds in our lives and try to rob you of your hope. We have to protect our hope. Negativity and pessimism is the path of least resistance. It is easy to get there. Don’t slide down this slope when there is so much to be hoped for! A way to foster hope for humanity is to engage in empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share in the feelings of others. Empathy in this season is more necessary than ever. Empathy asks us to care for those around us. I had COVID-19. One of the most encouraging parts of receiving this diagnosis was how much it revealed my community. I remember receiving an Uber Eats gift card from a friend, while it was unnecessary, it was so appreciated. It made me feel cared for. They were empathizing with my situation. We had multiple people reach out about providing meals, asking if they could help us with our kids, or if there was anything they could do for us. Empathy causes us to have compassion toward others and causes us to respond with what we have that can help meet a need. Perhaps people around you don’t have COVID-19, but I assure you they do have other needs. How different would our community look if we each chose empathy, walked in compassion, and responded to the needs of others? We all have something to give, let’s give it. Christina and her husband, Andrew, pastor Grace City Church. Grace City is a Hillsong Family Church with two campuses in Lakeland and also hosts online services every week at GraceCity.com . Christina is also a full-time Professor and the proud mom of twins, Justice and Adriana. @ChristinaGard

A hot meal, a phone call, a resource, a friend, can all be found at The Mission of Winter Haven. The Mission has been feeding the community for over forty years. Kids out of school, jobs lost, and financial hardships as a result of the current pandemic have grown the Mission’s aim to provide the basics for those in need. It has been tough, but Executive Director David Berry says they haven’t missed a beat. Winter Haven has shown up in this time of need. A HISTORY The Mission of Winter Haven was started in 1974 by Tom Beauregard and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1977. He began working with young men aging out of foster care and eventually feeding the community. The group moved to serving their meals out of Rotary Park collecting the support of volunteers and churches along the way. The Mission moved to the old Hill Building on Third Street and continued to grow. In 2000, their current property on Central Avenue came up for sale. They relocated to that building, built in 1916, where they serve today. David and Arlene Berry moved to Polk County in 2004 for a youth ministry position. Looking for a place to bring the youth to serve that Thanksgiving, the Berry’s found The Mission of Winter Haven. David became more involved with The Mission, eventually joining the board and becoming the Executive Director, along with his wife Arlene who is the Executive Manager. THEIR MISSION The Mission opens at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast followed by lunch at 11:45 a.m., serving around 200 hot meals each day. In addition to hot meals Monday through Friday, their food pantry is open for families and homeless with separate shop times for both. Twenty to 30 households use this service daily. They provide other basic needs like hygiene items, showers, clothing, and more. Before COVID-19 when people were allowed inside the building, they would have different activities throughout the week like Movies and Motivation on Monday, art therapy on Tuesday, small groups on Wednesday, a game day on Thursday, and fellowship on Friday. The biggest misconception Berry says is that The Mission is a homeless ministry. In tracking those who use their services, Berry said, “We were at 12% of those we serve being homeless. Now it’s up to 25% maybe even closer to 30%. But it’s still not the majority. The majority we see are low-income families and also our seniors.” Seniors are a group overlooked as being food insecure, but often their fixed incomes don’t leave room for adequate groceries. “A lot of them can’t afford other services or at the end of the month, there aren’t enough funds left over,” said Berry. The Mission can feed seniors and help them to navigate other concerns. “Sometimes they just need help making phone calls, making appointments,” he said. Once a week The Mission has an insurance professional come in to answer any insurance questions they might have. “We’re always looking at how we can do it better. Where is there a gap in service?” IMPACTS OF COVID-19 As the number of coronavirus cases went up, so too did the number of families in need of The Mission’s services. “We’ve had so many first-time families come into our food pantry that have never had to have help before,” said the executive director. “Some families were losing their homes and had to get into a motel or live in their vehicles because they couldn’t afford their mortgage or their rent.” Children being out of school was another concern for Berry. “Our concern was if the kids are home, they’re going to get bored and they’re going to eat more – that’s going to be more food demand for families. If families aren’t working, that’s going to cause a chain reaction.” Polk County Schools began doing pickup lunches to feed children who might live in food-insecure households. The nearest pickup site for The Mission’s immediate area was seven miles in each direction according to Berry. The nonprofit reached out to the school board who in turn designated them a pick-up spot, doing a hundred or more lunches when they come. They are still coming two days a week, Monday and Thursday, during summer break. Families don’t even have to leave their car to pick up meals for the children and Berry added that they can pick up a hot lunch from The Mission if they need food for themselves too. “Between using the food pantry, Polk County Schools coming, and also kidsPACK […] it has really helped with the increase in numbers,” he said. Families in need come in person to fill out an application and speak with a resource counselor. “We make it convenient for them and as least invasive as possible so they can feel comfortable,” Berry said. The Mission has someone in the pantry who can work with them to shop, allowing them to choose their groceries from cans and dry foods to cold and perishable items. “You have to swallow a lot of pride to ask for help. But, at the same time, what are you going to do?” “During this whole COVID experience, the community has been such a huge support system,” he said. The Mission’s concern at the onset of the pandemic was the increase of people in need. The Mission does not receive government funding and relies on the generosity of the community to fuel its services. Earlier in the pandemic, grocery stores limited quantities, and with folks out of work, those who would normally be able to donate goods or money may not be able to. Berry and his team put out the word that they could use hot dishes and casseroles to feed people. “Ten large pans of lasagna can feed 200 people,” he said. If one person could bake one and get 9 of their friends and family involved, 200 mouths could be fed that day. “That started a snowball effect. Now, there are 2-3 days a week that we get casseroles coming in.” Not only are the hungry being fed, but parents are also using this as a way to get creative with their children’s distanced learning. Like a mother who made strawberry muffins with her kids to bring to The Mission, using ingredient measurements as a creative math lesson along with lessons in kindness and service. The community has helped in other ways, from the police department serving at the Mission once a month, to restaurants in town preparing meals, and the city providing pop-up tents for when The Mission had to move its services outside. “The City has been a huge support to us during this time,” said Berry. “I’ve been here for fifteen years – I’ve never seen a food supply come in like it’s been during COVID,” said Berry. “Between the schools coming and the community – it’s been amazing.” If you would like to organize your friends and family to make casseroles for The Mission of Winter Haven, contact them to be put on the schedule. If you want to bring in one casserole or hot dish, they can supplement that into their daily meal. Through August, The Mission is receiving donation drop-offs on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. An ongoing need for The Mission of Winter Haven is food for their pantry and food they can cook to give out. It only takes about three cases of chicken to serve a meal to 200 people. Also, kid-friendly foods that are easy to open and eat, hygiene items, insect repellent this time of year, and financial support. A SPOKE IN THE NETWORK “When people ask us, what’s the main thing people need? What’s the biggest need? Money, food, volunteers – those are given. The greatest need that people have is a support system. That’s what The Mission is, we are a support system for folks,” said Berry. “There are resources all around us, and The Mission isn’t the biggest and the best, but we’re just proud to be one of them.” Berry says The Mission doesn’t want to duplicate services, but rather fill the gap where they can. “We work like the hub of a support system. We will do the basic needs, get them stabilized, find out what their needs are. If we can meet their needs here, great. If we can’t we’re going to get their needs met somehow through networking.” This pandemic has meant many things. It has meant lost lives, lost jobs, lost homes, lost food security. If we can find anything through these losses, may it be a reinforced sense of humanity. My editor told me after the interview that as she sat in The Mission she was overcome with sadness, fighting tears. “We are all a heartbeat away from needing this,” she said. It is important now more than ever to care for yourself and spread that care, and if you’re able to, spread your resources, spread your kindness. The Mission of Winter Haven is a good place to start. The Mission of Winter Haven 180 E Central Ave, Winter Haven P.O. Box 2586, Winter Haven, FL 33883 (863) 299-2348 themissionwh.org FB @MissionOfWinterHaven Photo by Amy Sexson

This year the world has faced sickness, death, job loss, strained social environments, injustices, and tragedies – everyday life has become unusual for many. Most of us have struggled with our mental health or know someone who has. We spoke with Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Antionette Pollard to learn more about depression and anxiety, when to seek help, how to cope during COVID-19, and the importance of mental health care. Pieces to Peace Counseling Antionette Pollard is a Licensed Medical Health Counselor in Lakeland. She is married to her husband Jerry, with three children Jerry, 15, Aleecia, 13, and Alayna, 9. Pollard graduated from Kathleen High School before going to the University of South Florida for her undergraduate degree in Family Communication. She returned to Lakeland to earn her Master’s in Counseling from Webster University. Pollard originally planned to become an attorney. While pursuing her undergrad, she became pregnant with her son, Jerry. “That helped me shift focus for what I was going to school for,” she said. An academic advisor suggested a career in counseling. “Naturally I’ve always been that friend that everyone goes to, to confide in,” said Pollard. Her first Intro to Psychology class solidified this change of path. “It resonated with my soul,” she said. She started Pieces to Peace Counseling in 2016, seeing patients ages 13 and up, individual and couples counseling, and is an LGBTQ-friendly office. Pieces to Peace Counseling accepts cash, EAP (Employee Assistance Program), and insurance. Pollard is passionate about affordable, accessible mental health care. A concern she often heard from friends and family regarding mental health treatment was lack of affordability – either a provider didn’t take their insurance or they outright couldn’t afford to go to them. Though counseling through community agencies is valuable, Pollard says the long waitlist and high counselor turnover rate can be a deterrent to seeking or staying with treatment. “Somebody needs to do something about it,” she said. “I’m a very solution-focused person. We all know the problems, but what are we going to do to start to make some changes?” In 2018, she started Pieces to Peace Charities or P2P Counseling Charities. This nonprofit provides counseling for $5 to individuals making under $26K per year through master’s level intern counselor, Michelle Jones, MA who sees patients 8 years old and up. Due to COVID-19, Pieces to Peace Counseling and their Charities services are being conducted primarily via Telehealth. Also under the charities umbrella is Sista Yoga Self Care, a group focusing on Women of Color. “We focus on a mental health topic, we do a yoga session, and follow with journaling,” Pollard explained. The group is held about once a quarter with their most recent this past June. Yoga is one way Pollard cares for her mental health. She says the positive feedback from the Sista Yoga Self Care group inspired her to become a Registered Yoga Teacher. The counselor plans to incorporate yoga into her therapy, specifically with addiction support groups covering all addictions from drugs and alcohol to eating, sex, and shopping. “In order for someone to use a substance to aid in anything there are other conditions and other traumas that cause those responses,” she said. The session would first address a mental health or addiction topic followed by journaling and yoga. Pollard will incorporate yoga into a therapy session if requested by a client. Depression According to Pollard, “Depression is a persistent sadness or loss of interest in things you normally found to be interesting and enjoy doing.” Though depression is often equated with grief, she distinguished the two. “With grief, you still have your self-esteem. Depression brings on feelings of guilt and you kind of lose that self-esteem, self-confidence that you had.” It is recommended to seek out help for any depression symptoms lasting longer than two weeks. Though it is always a good time to talk with someone if you are feeling this way. If suicidal thoughts emerge, seek assistance immediately, you are not alone. Anxiety Anxiety is a panic disorder preventing those who suffer with it from doing certain things out of fear, according to Pollard. This could manifest in something like adding time to your commute to avoid the fastest route to work because it goes over a bridge that you’re scared of or even going to the grocery store. Acknowledgment is important, says Pollard. It is all about recognizing that a situation makes you anxious and finding practical solutions to cope. “We’re all different individuals which means we have to do what works best for us,” she said. For example, if you are a person who already suffers from anxiety and that has been amplified by COVID-19, and the grocery store is a trigger for that anxiety, explore other shopping options. Order online and have your food delivered or opt for curbside pick-up. When those feelings start to arise, Pollard says, “I recommend things that you find to be soothing and calming.” That could be favorite music or a guided meditation, “To help you with your self-talk and calming yourself down to prevent those panic attacks.” “With anxiety and depression, it’s really important that a therapist is aware of their clients that have diverse backgrounds because the way anxiety, for instance, presents in an African American, may not look the same in a Caucasian person,” noted Pollard. “For example, with anxiety, most people think of fears and panic attacks. For People of Color it may not be panic attacks, they may be irritable [which] is also a symptom of fear.” Mental Health Hacks First and foremost, don’t downplay or compare your life situation or mental health with others. “It’s not a comparison. If it’s important to you, then it’s worth getting help for, it’s worth getting counseling,” said Pollard. She also suggests limiting screen time for social media and the news. “I understand, we feel like we have to be connected, we don’t want to miss something important,” she said. “It’s okay if you even need to remove those things.” Another tip for someone experiencing depression or anxiety is to create a schedule at home. It needn’t be rigorous, but an establishment of basic tasks and activities. “Having some type of structure is helpful,” she said. Like getting up and having breakfast by 10 a.m. every morning, setting aside time to read, or cleaning up at a certain time. To quiet some of the mind chatter and racing thoughts, give journaling a try, it’s something Pollard uses frequently with her clients. “We have a lot of things floating up here in our minds that we try and hold onto. Journaling gives us the chance to release that and free up the mind.” A great way to care for your mind is to care for your body too. “Those emotions need to go somewhere, and most of the time we use work as an outlet. Getting out, getting in your car, at work you’re chatting with coworkers, whatever you normally do on your lunch break. Your body is having more movement throughout the day,” said Pollard. Now that many are working from home, that movement and routine have changed. Engaging your body is conducive to your mental health, says Pollard. “If you’re able to, walk the neighborhood. Pull up YouTube, do some yoga online. Different things like that can be very helpful and encouraging.” Helping A Friend As a community and as individuals, the best thing we can do for our friends and family struggling with their mental health is to be supportive. Listen to them and do not disregard their feelings. If you notice someone in your life struggling, reach out and ask how they’re doing. It’s normal to throw away the formalities of “Hi, how are you?” and move on with the conversation, but Pollard suggests asking pointed questions. When was the last time you ate? When was the last time you talked to a friend aside from me? How have you been sleeping? Factors like sleep and appetite, namely too much or too little, can be a sign that someone may need to reach out for help, according to the licensed mental health counselor. “We can also remind our family and friends if they are employed, most employers have something called an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and they offer free counseling sessions,” she said. “Your EAP is not just for you, but for everyone in your household.” What to Expect from the First Visit “That first appointment is finding out support systems, what’s their goal for counseling,” said Pollard. Establishing a goal is crucial, she says. “It’s important that individuals know that I’m not here with my own agenda trying to work on whatever I want to work on, but what you want to work on.” A tool she gives her clients from the beginning is the app Daylio. The app is free or can be purchased for more features. She described it as a mood charting app with space for comments about why your mood went up or down, and even offers statistics to see your moods in graph format. Not only does the app put a bad day into perspective so that it doesn’t shadow the whole week, but it also gives individuals the comments section to look back on for things to discuss with their counselor. “It lets you know if counseling is working for you because you have some visual proof.” Find the Right One Counselors are as unique as the needs of their patients. “Counseling is like dating, you have to find a counselor who fits you,” said Pollard. Often someone will wait until they are in a crisis to contact a counselor and may not feel any better after their appointment. If you don’t feel a rapport or a sense that your counselor understands your personality and your needs and goals, continue your search for the right counselor. You wouldn’t swear off dating forever based on one incompatible first date. Don’t give up on taking care of your mental health after one session with an incompatible counselor. Mental Health is a Primary Concern Depending on life circumstances, grief, stress, trauma, “We all need help at different points in our lives,” said Pollard. “Just because an individual has a counselor doesn’t mean they use it every day or often, but the main reason for having an established counselor is so when you do have those crisis moments, you’re not trying to find someone in the middle of a crisis. You already have someone identified that you have a good rapport with so when things come up, you can make a phone call,” said Pollard. She even has a therapist of her own. “[Your mental health] should be taken just as seriously as your primary health.” If you have a designated primary doctor, or dentist, why wouldn’t you have an established counselor? Make time for your mental health, make it a priority. “A lot of times people will say, ‘Time heals all wounds.’ But that’s not the case, it’s actually what you do with the time that makes that process more healing.” Pieces to Peace Counseling piecestopeacecounseling.com 918 East Oleander St. Suite: 1, Lakeland (863) 651-7969 FB @piecestopeacecounseling P2P Counseling Charities p2pcharities.org 918 East Oleander St. Suite: 1, Lakeland (863) 651-7969 FB @charitiesP2P National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Talk now at suicidepreventionlifeline.org Photo by Amy Sexson